This page updated Friday, May 21, 2010.

Aquatics Program Sessions

Debbie Bishop, the aquatics director at Grand River Area Family YMCA, sorts through some equipment. The facility was closed in August for annual cleaning and maintenance projects. Officials there say some of those projects included cleaning the carpets, painting walls, resurfacing the gymnasium, multi-purpose room and racquet ball court floors, painting the pool deck and general cleaning.
C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

Caps and goggles are on sale at the front desk. Latex swim caps are $3; silicone swim caps are $8 (better quality, easier on your head, and no need to get your hair wet before putting it on). Variety of goggles for $8 and $13.

Wheelchair Lift Available
If you are in a wheelchair or it is difficult for you to use the stairs to get into the pool, we now have a lift that will easily help you into the pool. Ask the lifeguard on duty for assistance.

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ADULT AQUATICS

Adult Aquatic Class Fees

To attend any adult class, simply purchase an Aquatic Aerobic Activity Card at the YMCA front desk. You may begin an aquatics class any time. Each card is good for 24 class sessions, but it expires 6 months after purchase. Your card may be used for any of the adult classes. Try all the classes and see which ones you like best!

Private swim lessons are available at the YMCA for both children and adults. We will try and set you up with an instructor whose schedule coordinates with your availability. Lessons usually last 1/2 hour and the cost is $10 per 1/2 hour for members and $14 per 1/2 hour for all others. Call 646-6677 and ask for Debbie Hoyt, or email her.

Water Boot Camp

Let the water sculpt and tone your entire body. This total-body program is guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Fun, high energy, highly efficient workout that uses the water's resistance for toning and a combination of cardio drills that are easily tailored to your own desired intensity. BURN MEGA-CALORIES, tone, and sculpt your body in this one hour class.

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Certified Instructor: Debbie Hoyt
  (or)

• Tuesday, Thursday, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

• Instructor: Susan Davis

Adult Water Volleyball

Join us for some friendly co-ed competition. It's fun and FREE! Participants always have a blast!

• Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

For more information, contact Debbie.

YMCA Gators Swim Team

Sanctioned by Missouri Valley USA Swimming.

To qualify, you must be able to swim from one end of the pool to the other without stopping.

• When: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Fee: $38/monthly (members only)
• Asst. Coach: Ari Coleman

Classes must have a minimum of 2 participants signed up by registration deadline.

PRE-SCHOOL SWIM LESSONS

30-minute lessons for children between the ages of 3 and 6...

LEVEL I - Pike/Eel - Beginner Swim Skills (3-6 year olds)

This level helps children develop safe pool behavior, adjust to the water, and develop independent movement in the water. It is designed for new swimmers, teaching how to float, kick, do the paddlestroke, and feel comfortable holding the face in the water while blowing bubbles. Float belts used in this level.

• Monday & Wednesday - 12:00-12:30 p.m. and 3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

• Fee: $22/members and $37/others

• Certified Instructor: Sara Mathews

LEVEL II - Eel/Ray - Intermediate Swim Skills (3-6 year olds)

This level reinforces Pike/Eel skills and helps children build more swimming endurance and independence in the water. New skills taught include the sitting dive, treading water, and rhythmic breathing. By the end of this level, children can swim the length of the pool wearing a float belt.

• Monday & Wednesday - 12:30-1:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

• Fee: $22/members and $37/others

• Certified Instructor: Sara Mathews

LEVEL III - Ray/Starfish - Advanced Swim Skills (3-6 year olds)

Children at this level review previously learned skills and learn to swim thought the float belt. New skills introduced at this level are the front and back crawl and underwater swimming. By the end of this level, children can swim the length of the pool without wearing a float belt.

• Monday & Wednesday - 1:00-1:30 p.m. and 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

• Fee: $22/members and $35/others

• Certified Instructor: Sara Mathews

PROGRESSIVE SWIM LESSONS

45-minute classes for children ages 6 and up

This program includes five main components: personal growth, personal safety, stroke development, water sports and games, and rescue.

LEVEL IV - Polliwog/Guppy - Beginner Swim Skills

This beginning level gets children acquainted with the pool and use of flotation devices. Main skills taught include: floating, flutter kicking, rhythmic breathing, the paddle stroke, front crawl, and treading water. Children can swim across the pool without assistance upon passing this level. Water safety and rescue skills are also taught.

• Tuesday & Thursday 12:00-12:45 p.m. and 3:30-4:15 p.m.

• Fee: $28/members and $40/others

• Certified Instructor: Sara Mathews

LEVEL V - Minnow/Fish - Intermediate Swim Skills

6 years and up. Children can build on their previously learned skills to begin swimming the front & back crawl, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and breastwork kick. Other skills include endurance swimming, diving, and rescue skills.

• Tuesday & Thursday 12:45-1:30 p.m. and 4:15-5:00 p.m.

• Fee: $28/members and $40/others

• Certified Instructor: Sara Mathews

LEVEL VI - Flying Fish/Shark/Porpoise - Advanced Skills

6 years and up. At this advanced level, students work on refining their strokes, swimming longer distances, and more advanced rescue skills. They learn the breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley. Swimmers will be more than ready to join the swim team or become a lifeguard after completing this level.

• Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-2:15 p.m. and 5:00-5:45 p.m.

• Fee: $28/members and $40/others

• Certified Instructor: Sara Mathews

Are you interested in earning your Swimming Badge?
The YMCA can help! Leaders, call and ask for Debbie or email her.